DECATUR, Ga. - Agnes Scott's softball team returned to the field this afternoon to wrap up Spring Break, falling to the #20 team in the country and one of the favorites for the Collegiate Conference of the South crown, Belhaven. The Blazers (18-7, 2-0 CCS) held the Scotties without a run on the day, combining strong pitching with strong defense to show that their national ranking is well-warranted.
Game 1 Recap (#20 Belhaven 17, Agnes Scott 0 - 5 Innings)
In Game 1, the Scotties (1-7, 0-4 CCS) suffered through a rough 2nd inning, which was ultimately the difference-maker. Belhaven plated 16 runs in the top half of the inning, and finished off the contest in 5 innings with a 17-0 win. To the Scotties' credit, the other three innings produced only one run for the Blazers.
Kyra Hornsby (0-3) took the loss on the mound for the Scotties, after allowing only one hit in the first inning before the aforementioned 2nd inning. The Blazers would chase Hornsby before the Scotties could register an out in the 2nd inning. The Blazers would finish the inning with 16 runs, 10 hits, and benefit from 2 Agnes Scott errors.Â
On a positive note for the Scotties, the 5-8 batters had a strong day at the plate in Game 1.
Ellie Settle was 2-for-2, while Hornsby,
Natalie Bains, and
Lia Faulks all collected hits for the Scotties.
Kaylee Hickman came on in relief on the mound and registered 3 strikeouts for the Scotties, as well.
Game 2 Recap (#20 Belhaven 8, Agnes Scott 0)
In the second contest, Belhaven was dominant once again, but the Scotties stepped up their efforts defensively, as well as on the mound. Belhaven, however, registered 8 strikeouts in the second contest, and held the Scotties to three hits scattered across seven innings. The Blazers would also benefit from 4 Agnes Scott errors, as
Bryn Greenwood (1-3) suffered the loss while surrendering a respectable 5 earned runs against a Belhaven squad known for their offensive prowess.
The Scotties were led defensively by Greenwood's 4 strikeouts, and Agnes Scott pulled off an exciting double-play in the top of the sixth inning, as
Natalie Bains made a great catch in right field and threw out a Belhaven runner at 1st base to end the inning. Hornsby and Settle each singled for the Scotties to give them hits in both contests, and
Taylor Selby slapped a single to left field to lead off the bottom of the 6th inning to give the Scotties their final hit of the day. Selby would also pick up a stolen base in the inning. Unfortunately for the Scotties, Belhaven got in on the double play action themselves, and ended the scoring threat on a 6-3-5 double play, catching Selby trying to reach third.
The Scottes will return to Oakhurst Park on Tuesday, March 24, as they host CCS opponent, Piedmont (12-7, 2-0 CCS), who opened CCS play today with a sweep of Asbury. Both contests were stopped due to the "run rule" as Piedmont downed the Eagles, 12-3 (6 innings) and 9-1 (5 innings) at Asbury. First pitch for the Scotties and Lions will be 3:00 p.m.
Â
